Tanker explosion closes I-81; Bridge may collapse

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Dauphin County – Interstate 81 NB and SB is closed right now and for the forseeable future because of a tanker fire that has burned the truck and parts of the on ramp to Interstate 81. The plume of smoke could be seen for miles from this explosion which took place around 6:10 a.m. The road will be closed for hours.

The fire took about an hour to finally extinguish but the intense flames have caused potential structural damage to the bridge that carries Route 322 over Interstate 81. Crews fear the bridge may collapse. PennDOT crews are checking the structural integrity of the bridge and will have to decide if it can be fixed, repaired or needs to be replaced.

The driver of the truck, a 52 year old male from Dover, sustained minor burns but is expected to be OK. Charges are pending against the driver, whose name is not yet being released by police. The truck was coming from Carlisle carrying a full load of diesel fuel. The investigation continues into the cause.

The roads surrounding the area are a jam packed mess. Interstate 81 is closed between Progress Avenue and Cameron Street.

The road closures around the area are also causing a mess for HAAC. Finals scheduled for 9 a.m. have been canceled and the school is recommending all students with 11 a.m. finals leave a lot of extra time for travel.